JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Amos 5:14.

“Seek good, not evil that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.”

This was a message for a nation that was drifting from God. Israel was under the impression that they were under God’s protection even though the nation was not fully dedicated to walking in His ways. They were in more danger than they realized, and further from God than what they imagined.

The Book of Amos was pointing out that if they wanted their claim to be reality, they needed to love what is good and to hate what is evil. This is where the Lord’s heart is. He loves what is good and hates what is evil. God’s influence on our lives brings us into agreement with His perspective. When we humbly accept God’s Word and apply it to our lives, we can step forward with full confidence that we are on God’s side, and He is with us.

Seeking good, not evil is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com